Recipes for Homemade Facial Exfoliators

Exfoliators for the face need to be more gentle than those used for the body or hands, as the skin is far more delicate. Avoid using salt or sugar, as the irregular, sharp edges of the granules will scratch and damage the skin.

Anti-Wrinkle Facial Exfoliator

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

2 tablespoons ripe papaya (mashed)

1. Mix the aloe vera gel and papaya together to form a smooth paste.

2. Apply to clean face and neck and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Rinse with cool water.

The natural enzymes and fruit acid work to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling and looking and smoother and younger. However - don't be tempted to leave the formula on for longer than 5 minutes, as you may find that it starts to dry the skin out.

Herbal Facial Scrub

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons dried herbs (e.g. mint)

100 g (4 oz) rolled oats

1. Combine the herbs and oats in a blender until coarsely ground.

2. Use a handful of the scrub with water to gently clean and exfoliate the face.

Mint may be used to refresh delicate skin, whilst okra leaves or hollyhock petals can provide an emollient action for dry skin.

Honey-Almond Facial Scrub

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons crushed almonds

1. Combine the crushed almonds and honey together to form a paste.

2. Apply to face and leave for 5 minutes.

3. After 5 minutes, rub the paste in well, then rinse with warm water.

Honey-Oatmeal Exfoliating Cream

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon honey

50 g (2 oz) rolled oats

1 teaspoon ground almonds

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Apply the oatmeal mixture to the face, avoiding the eye area.

3. Let the mixture dry on the skin completely before rinsing off with warm water.